Kalka–Shimla National Highway: Issue notices to contractors for not rectifying black spots till Nov 30, NHAI officials told

The final day of the workshop saw tense moments when Popli questioned two NHAI officials over inconsistencies in the data concerning six listed black spots near Chandimandir. The officials explained that the sites were identified when the highway was only two-lane, but since the stretch had been upgraded to four-lane, no recent accidents had been reported there. However, Popli expressed displeasure over the fact that the portal still showed the black spots as unattended, terming it a serious lapse in reporting and data management.

Taking a stern view of the issue, Popli instructed senior NHAI officers to ensure that the current status of all black spots is updated on the portal by November 30, failing which strict action would be taken against the defaulting contractors. Popli also highlighted that in the US the number of road accidents are more than double than India every year but the fatalities are far less than our country due to the safety protocols and awareness.
He also advised that NHAI employees and contractors engaged in road maintenance should install dashboard cameras in vehicles to create reliable video records of road conditions, which could be used for verification and safety audits.

Highlighting recent technological interventions, Popli said that NHAI has initiated drone mapping of national highways across the country to strengthen monitoring, ensure transparency, and assist in the timely detection of potential accident zones. The workshop concluded with a call for stricter compliance with safety protocols, regular monitoring of black spots, and improved coordination between contractors, engineers, and NHAI officials to make national highways safer for commuters.

Officials and employees of all project implementation units (PIUs) from Shimla, Hamirpur, Palampur and Mandi were present at the workshop.